The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at Albany has issued a Air Quality Health Advisory for Fine Particulates. until midnight tonight. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an air quality index value of 100 for Fine Particulates. The air quality index. or AQI. was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern. When pollution levels are elevated. the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician. For additional information, please visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website at, https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi, or call the Air Quality Hotline at 800-535- 1345.

The combination of recent dry weather, southerly winds gusting between 10 to 20 mph, relative humidity values ranging between 30 and 40 percent, and dry fuels will contribute to an elevated risk of fire spread through today for portions of eastern New York, including the eastern Catskills, Capital District, Mid- Hudson Valley, and the Taconics. Any outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Use extra caution if handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery or matches, and ensure to properly extinguish or dispose cigarette butts. Please refer to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation web site for information on burn restrictions.

* Affected Area. All of Berkshire County in Massachusetts and all of Litchfield County in Connecticut. * Timing. From 9AM to 6PM EST Today. * Winds. Southwest 5 to 10 mph. * Relative Humidity. As low as 33 percent. * Temperatures. In the 50s. * Impacts. Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* AFFECTED AREA. In Connecticut, Hartford, Tolland and Windham. In Massachusetts, Western Franklin, Eastern Franklin, Northern Worcester, Central Middlesex, Western Essex, Eastern Essex, Western Hampshire, Western Hampden, Eastern Hampshire, Eastern Hampden, Southern Worcester, Western Norfolk, Southeast Middlesex, Suffolk, Eastern Norfolk, Northern Bristol, Western Plymouth, Eastern Plymouth, Southern Bristol, Southern Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket and Northern Middlesex. In Rhode Island, Northwest Providence, Southeast Providence, Western Kent, Eastern Kent, Bristol, Washington, Newport and Block Island. * TIMING. From 9 AM this morning to 6 PM EST this evening. * WINDS. Southwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY. As low as 29 percent. * TEMPERATURES. In the 50s. * IMPACTS. Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at Albany has issued a Air Quality Health Advisory for Fine Particulates.. from midnight tonight to midnight EST Sunday night. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an air quality index value of 100 for Fine Particulates. The air quality index. or AQI. was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern. When pollution levels are elevated. the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician. For additional information, please visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website at, https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi, or call the Air Quality Hotline at 800-535- 1345.